Contracted to: benefit completion date

The BCLME Programme’s Strategic Action Plan calls for the harmonisation of the management of shared fish stocks. Most commercially harvested fish stocks are shared between two or three BCLME countries. In most cases, the identity of transboundary stocks is unknown and this has important implications for management.

Project LMR/CF/03/04 reviewed the potential application of genetic techniques for the identification of fish stocks. From the literature consulted, interviews with fisheries scientists and responses from local and international geneticists, it is clear that genetic analyses can make a contribution towards the identification of transboundary fish populations in the BCLME region.

Future genetic work should, however, be carefully prioritised and planned. Planning is especially important because adequate sampling is crucial for obtaining conclusive results. It is also important that fisheries scientists, managers and geneticists work towards the same goal; i.e. understanding and indentifying stocks using only one working definition of a stock.

1. 
   1. A pilot study should be developed through consultation with managers, fisheries scientists, marine biologists, oceanographers and geneticists. Three to four species should be selected to represent the different life histories of marine species. Special consideration should be given to larval duration, age at maturity, longevity, migratory behaviour and morphological variability. Sampling should in particular focus on current boundaries, upwelling zones and spawning grounds. The feasibility of sampling different cohorts should be considered. Stocks should be defined on a holistic basis (incorporating genetic, morphological, behavioural and ecological data).
   
2. 
   2. Depending on the outcome of the pilot investigation, a comprehensive proposal should be developed to address genetic identification of transboundary populations within the other priority resources.
   
3. 
   3. A conference should be held to bring together managers, fisheries scientists, marine biologists, oceanographers and geneticists to discuss planning and priorities.
   
4. 
   4. Funding should be sought to address other general issues in the region, including compliance enforcement; species identification kits; biogeographic zones and the distribution of genetic diversity (a focus on marine biodiversity rather than just a focus on exploited resources); the location and efficacy of marine protected areas; the use of archived material to address the impact of exploitation on genetic diversity and long-term viability of marine resources; and the application of molecular techniques to pressing ecological questions.
   
5. 
   5. Exchange of researchers between BCLME countries as well as among local institutions and overseas laboratories should be considered.
   
6. 
   6. Training in genetics should be integrated as part of marine science education.